Free HIV tests spotlight high rates among Hispanics

October 11, 2012

UMATILLA — National Latino HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is meant to bring attention to the high incidence of HIV among Hispanics. To that end, the Lake County Health Department on Monday will offer free HIV testing at the department's Umatilla Health Center, 249 E. Collins St. Hours are 1 to 4p.m.

In 2009, the incidence of HIV among Florida Hispanic men was two times higher than Caucasian men and five times higher for Hispanic women than Caucasian women. About 1 in 5 Latinos in the U.S. is infected with HIV but doesn't know it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The awareness day focuses "on the actions we can take to turn the tide and begin reducing the number of people infected with HIV," the CDC says.

The Lake Health Department helps people infected with HIV locate medical care and other services. For more information, call 352-771-5547.